Forever 21 employee allegedly sexually assaulted teen in Hanford

HANFORD, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fidel Madrigal, 24, made his first court appearance in Kings County. He's facing several charges including the sexual battery of a teenage girl.

Madrigal was supposed to be arraigned Tuesday afternoon but his lawyer couldn't make it to court, so his arraignment was pushed to Thursday.

Hanford police say Madrigal worked at Forever 21 in the Hanford mall. Police say that's where he met the victim and gave the teen his number. She began texting him and police say he began sending her sexually explicit texts and photos.

Police learned about the case on September 17 and began investigating. They believe he used his position at Forever 21 to lure the victim in.

Capt. Parker Sever with the Hanford Police Department said, "He'd befriend them probably helping them shop and then he would exchange phone numbers with them."

Hanford police say Madrigal also asked the victim back to Forever 21 and that's when he allegedly sexually assaulted her.

Another teenage girl has also told police Madrigal gave her his number. Police believe there are other possible victims in this case and they want to hear from anyone who may be connected.